Is postural care associated with quality of life in disabled people?

In 2017-2018 we developed and trialled a questionnaire about postural care and quality of life, which was completed by 127 disabled people. We found that, compared to those who reported that they received poor postural care, people who received good postural care had a better quality of life.

Disabled people who find it difficult to move and change position can develop severe distortions to the symmetry of their body. This can cause permanent health problems and even death. Body shape deterioration can be prevented or reversed with postural care, which is a gentle intervention that protects and re-establishes a healthy body shape. Whilst postural care is known to be beneficial to physical health, there is currently no evidence to show whether there is an association between quality of postural care and quality of life.

We conducted a pilot study to investigate whether there is a relationship between postural care and quality of life. We co-designed and developed a questionnaire which was completed by 127 disabled people with postural care needs.

This study found that people who received good postural care also reported a better quality of life than those who received poor postural care. Furthermore, there was a positive association between mental health and quality of sleep in disabled people with postural care needs. In conclusion, this is the first study to suggest that there is a relationship between quality of postural care and quality of life in disabled people with postural care needs.

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Rosie is Professor of Law and Society at the University of Birmingham. Her academic work focuses on human rights, disability, capacity, and intimate and caring relationships. She is a passionate advocate of the difference that a human rights approach can make to disabled people’s everyday lives.

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